In a significant move to adapt to the changing needs of the youth, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) has officially rebranded itself as Scouting America.
This renaming, which was announced nine months ago, took effect on the organization's 115th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its evolution.
According to Fox News, the rebranding was initiated in response to the organization's policy changes in recent years. In 2018, the BSA opened its doors to girls, and prior to that, in 2013 and 2015, it began accepting gay youth and ended its blanket ban on gay adult leaders, respectively.
Roger Krone, President and CEO of Scouting America, acknowledged the existence of "some backlash" following the announcement of the rebranding. However, he also noted a slight increase in membership, indicating a curiosity and interest in the organization's new direction. "The fact that we were going with a more kind of gender-neutral name, a lot of people kind of wanted to know more about it," Krone stated. The Associated Press reported that over 15,000 scouts joined following the rebranding, bringing the total membership to over a million.
Scouting America, as the leading youth program in the nation, continues to provide opportunities for character development, leadership, fun, and outdoor exploration. The organization believes that these changes will "ensure future generations have the opportunity to benefit from this transformative program."
Despite the change in name, the Texas-based organization maintains that its mission remains unchanged. For over a century, it has aimed to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices throughout their lives by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. "Whether its a camping trip, a pinewood derby car race or a trail hike, every adventure encourages personal growth by teaching youth how to set goals and achieve them with determination," the organization stated.
While the organization's website reflects the new name, its social media accounts still bear the traditional handles. Krone emphasized the organization's commitment to instilling timeless values in the youth. "In an increasingly complex and interconnected world, the values and skills instilled by Scouting are more critical than ever and the need for strong character, ethical decision-making and effective leadership remains paramount," he stated.
The rebranding comes after a significant drop in membership during the COVID-19 pandemic, as reported by Fox News Digital. It also follows a court order requiring the organization to pay a $2.46 billion settlement to approximately 82,000 former Boy Scouts who alleged sexual abuse by BSA officials and volunteers. The organization managed to continue operations by filing for bankruptcy.
Scouting America remains committed to providing a "safe and supportive environment" where young people can develop essential qualities. "Scouting America has remained committed to providing youth with a safe environment where they can learn meaningful life skills, create lifelong memories and grow into tomorrows leaders," the organization stated. Since its founding in 1910, more than 130 million Americans have participated in Scouting America programs.
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